Lincoln Handicap Saturday Preview

The flat is back and I for one am very much excited for the season ahead. This time of year is traditionally a very intriguing period for die hard flat fans. The classic trials slowly rise to the surface with the Craven, Nell Gwyn and the Greenham all highlighting a superb April before we take a look at some of the best three year olds around at Newmarket on Guineas weekend in May.

But before all of that, the season kicks off at Doncaster with the Lincoln Heritage Handicap taking centre stage. Won in the past by some top class horses including Penitent, Addeybb, the popular dual purpose star Blythe Knight and more, the first big handicap of the season usually points towards a group horse masquerading as a handicapper in the field.

Modern News comes into the race off the back of a solid prep run in Dubai, finishing third. A multiple winner over 7f as a three year old, all the indications suggest a first crack at the mile will prove no hinderance here. Top apprentice jockey and one of my six to follow Harry Davies takes off an incredibly valuable 7 pounds here.

Saleymm gets the nod in this for me here. This four year old by Dubawi ticks all the right boxes for this contest, coming into this after a pair of wins on the all weather at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton respectively. The Simon and Ed Crisford trained colt will break from gate three which seems a decent enough draw. Ross Coakley, who’s enjoyed a very productive Winter takes the ride and I’m hopeful of a very big run.

It would be criminal to not mention Mujtaba who splits the two mentioned above in the market. Any four year old that William Haggas brings into this race has to be treated with respect and this gelding rattled off a hat trick last season with wins at Chepstow, Chester and Redcar. Cieren Fallon replaces the injured Adam Farragher in the saddle.

At a huge e/w price of 40-1, I’ll give a mention to one of John Quinn’s stable stars Safe Voyage. Now at the age of nine, Ross Harmon’s gelding was mixing it in Group two and listed company over the course of last season bumping into some smart horses including Kinross, Space Blues, Chindit, star sprinter Creative Force and fellow Godolphin owned Zakouski. Another of my six apprentice jockeys to follow Ryan Sexton comes in for the ride taking seven pounds off topweight of nine stone ten. It’s a big ask at the weights against younger, progressive rivals but with good e/w value on offer, Safe Voyage could definitely hit the frame at a huge price.

The Cammidge Trophy at 1:50 looks to be a tightly competitive contest. I’m unoriginal in my pick which comes in the form of Garrus trained by Charlie Hills and ridden by one of last seasons breakout stars Marco Ghiani. The six year old had a respectable 2021 with the standout performances being a fifth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and a Group Three success at Deauville in August. Garrus has won off a long lay off in the past and comes into this contest unpenalised for his Group Three victory.

Tomorrow also see’s the return of last years Greenham winner Chindit. Richard Hannon’s smart four year old was a creditable fifth in last years 2000 Guineas but was perhaps just found wanting at the elite level. A massive drop down into listed company awaits with Rossa Ryan taking the ride.

Rossa is a rider who I can see having a big season. The Amo Racing retainer will provide plenty of ammunition over the course of the season and with Oisin Murphy on the sidelines for this season, Rossa could definitely be in and around the championship picture this term.

To conclude with, I like the look of Aliomaana in the mares novices handicap hurdle at Kelso (3:15) for Milton Harris and top conditional Mitch Bastyan. This filly will enjoy the good ground and returned to winning ways after a short mid season break at Wincanton with a five length victory. Mitch gets a very good tune out of Aliomaana and despite the occasional jumping error along the way, the stiff finish should suit and she can go well against the favourite here in receipt of twenty five pounds.

Thank you for reading. Imagery courtesy of JTW Equine Images

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